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Journalism of Courage
When the Mumbai Test finished ahead of schedule, the buzz was that India’s batsmen, woefully out of form, would use the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches to get into shape for the next series. After all, they had played only 15 out of a possible 20 days of cricket since the series began on October 6, to woeful effect. Yet not all have chosen to play Ranji. The BCCI’s official line is that it is up to individual players and state associations to decide what is to be done. Meanwhile, here’s India’s batting order, split into those who played Ranji and those who didn’t, with their figures from the Test series
DID NOT BAT
Sachin Tendulkar
Mts: 2 Runs: 70 Avg: 17.50
Unavailable for comment
VVS Laxman
Mts: 4 Runs: 123 Avg: 17.57
“We’ve played four continuous Tests so I’ve been advised a break for 3-4 days. I just followed that advice. Left to me, I’d turn out even for a club side”
Rahul Dravid
Mts: 4 Runs: 167 Avg: 27.83
Could not be contacted
Virender Sehwag
Mts: 4 Runs: 299 Avg: 42.71
“I desperately needed a break after the Australia series. I had taken permission from the Board as well as the Delhi Ranji team management. I spent these 4-5 days with my family”
OUT IN THE MIDDLE
Sourav Ganguly
Mts: 2 Runs: 59 Avg: 19.67
Injured, short of runs and confidence, surprised one and all when he turned up for Bengal against Karnataka
Mohammad Kaif
Mts: 3 Runs: 153 Avg: 30.60
For some the best Indian batsman in the series. Yet rushed to join his team Uttar Pradesh while playing Punjab
Aakash Chopra
Mts: 2 Runs: 15 Avg: 3.75
Nowhere to go except turn up for Delhi and, by the looks of it, the scars of the Oz series remain
Yuvraj Singh
Mts: 2 Runs: 47 Avg: 15.67
Really confused with his role in the Test matches, is batting at No 3 for Punjab, thereby showing his preference. Needs to get back his confidence to challenge for a place
Gautam Gambhir
Mts: 1 Runs: 4 Avg: 2.00
Had a horror debut with bat and in the field, so had plenty to prove. And did so in style
